Seasonal double take at Scotland’s gardens

Scotland's gardens are in full bloom this year.

Published:06:30Saturday 19 March 2016

Mild winter conditions and a lack of frost has seen gardens across Scotland bursting into bloom earlier than expected to welcome visitors with stunning displays of snowdrops, crocuses and early rhododendrons.

Members of Discover Scottish Gardens, a garden network that boasts a wide reaching membership of over 130 gardens and garden related businesses across all regions of Scotland, are reporting early spring surprises due to mild winter weather.

With most garden businesses preparing for a March re-opening after a winter shut-down, the first visitors may be able to witness a unique ‘double season’ effect, where spring bulbs are bursting out of the ground, while at the same time, the winter flower season is extended due to the recent spell of returning frost.

Catherine Erskine, chair of Discover Scottish Gardens, said: “We are seeing significant climatic changes in Scottish gardens this spring. Snowdrop season started much earlier this year following the mild winter we had. On the other hand, it will last much longer, as we are experiencing another cold spell of frost at the moment, and even snowfall on higher grounds. Visitors will be able to enjoy winter plants and spring bulbs at the same time.”

Alasdair Hood, curator at Dundee Botanic Garden and member of Discover Scottish Gardens, notes: “Mild autumn and winter weather is creating a dramatic seasonal shift, which is increasingly noticeable year by year.

“While the need for grass cutting extends out into November, we can start all over again in early March because steady rainfall has provided plenty of wetness for good growth. However, incredible deluges and downpours of rain have certainly afforded us some challenges in terms of preparing the soil for spring planting, but looking at our thriving Australian and New Zealand eucalyptus trees, I am quite staggered by the diversity of plants in flower at this time of the year.”

West coast gardens such as Castle Kennedy and Glenwhan have experienced similar plant growth. While carpets of snowdrops still have to open up into full bloom, the rhododendron species sichotense and praecox popped their heads up in early January.

Tessa Knott, DSG member and gardener at Glenwhan, comments: “These types of rhododendrons tend to be early, but were surprisingly early this year. Also flowering are our camellias and cytisus porlock, adding bright splashes of colour to the last winter days. But the real star at Glenwhan is our daphne bholua, already spreading its delicious scent. We are anticipating a fabulous season this spring, full of colour and variety.”

Discover Scottish Gardens aims to highlight Scotland’s diverse garden offering, and to inspire more people to discover new gardens, nurseries and garden tourist businesses across the country by providing easy access to events and seasonal activities such as the festival of rhododendrons, plant propagation workshops, Easter egg hunts and guided walks this spring.

Visit the Discover Scottish Gardens’ website - discoverscottishgardens.org – to find out more about spring events and garden tours in your area.